Richmond Council Approves Demolition of Former Clarendon School for Potential Affordable Housing

29 September 2025

Richmond Council has approved plans to demolish the former Clarendon School site on Hanworth Road in Hampton, paving the way for potential affordable housing development. The decision comes after the council considered alternative uses for the site, including co-locating Carlisle Infant School and Hampton Hill Junior School, and temporary housing accommodation, before deciding to focus on addressing the increasing need for affordable housing in the borough.

The Finance, Policy and Resources Committee agreed on Thursday, 25 September 2025, that the former school be declared surplus to the council's educational requirements. The decision follows a review of the site's long-term potential. With limited funding available for new school projects, the council has shifted its focus towards addressing the increasing need for affordable housing in the borough.

To facilitate the site's redevelopment, the committee approved an additional capital budget of £525,000 in 2025/26 for the demolition of the existing buildings. The Item 9 - Hanworth Road report notes that the demolition will address ongoing anti-social behaviour and health and safety concerns associated with the vacant and derelict buildings. The report also recommends that land from the former Clarendon School site be permanently appropriated to the adjacent Carlisle Infant School for use as the school playing field.

The council will now seek formal consent from the Department for Education (DfE) to change the use of the property from educational to residential. Subject to planning consent, demolition is expected to occur in the next few months. Following the demolition, feasibility studies and option appraisals will be undertaken to determine the most suitable affordable housing development for the site, including the preparation of designs for the new housing. The Item 9 - Hanworth Road report states that any future use of the site, including the suggestion around permanent affordable housing, will be consulted upon, with periods of engagement included in the programme once it becomes clear. These plans will be presented to Members and the Committee for further consideration before being submitted to the Planning Application Committee.

The decision was made at the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee meeting on Thursday, 25 September 2025.

Councils Involved

Richmond upon Thames

Meetings Involved

Richmond upon Thames Council on 25 September 2025

People Involved

Councillor Gareth Roberts Leader of the Council • Liberal Democrat Party • Hampton

Councillor Nancy Baldwin Vice-chair of the Finance, Policy and Resources Committee (Spokesperson for Communities, Equalities & the Voluntary Sector) • Liberal Democrat Party • North Richmond

Councillor Richard Baker Liberal Democrat Party • Teddington

Councillor Robin Brown Liberal Democrat Party • Hampton Wick and South Teddington

Councillor Phil Giesler Business and Growth Lead Member • Liberal Democrat Party • Teddington

Councillor Katie Mansfield Richmond Town Centre Project Lead Member and White Ribbon Champion • Liberal Democrat Party • St Margarets and North Twickenham

Councillor Jim Millard Deputy Leader and Finance and Resources Lead Member • Liberal Democrat Party • Hampton Wick and South Teddington

Councillor Lesley Pollesche Liberal Democrat Party • Heathfield

Councillor Kuldev Sehra Liberal Democrat Party • Whitton

Councillor Caroline Wren Green Party • Fulwell and Hampton Hill

Rachel Williamson

Topics

DfE (Department for Education) Hanworth Road Affordable Housing Development Affordable Housing Richmond Council Climate Action Plan